The Compost Story

The Western Compost Story

In 2001, with the volume of yard waste collected exceeding the demand for the mulch made from it, Western began a pilot program to test the feasibility and understand the process of making compost. At the time, the site encompassed about 4 acres and, because yard waste was our only feedstock, it took 12 months to finish a batch of compost.

Around 2006, the City of Boulder implemented a full-scale curbside compost program capturing food as well as yard waste, and Western shifted into high gear nearly doubling the size of the yard to seven acres and adding the equipment necessary for a full scale commercial operation. Over the years our process has been refined, improving the quality of the product and, thanks to the addition of food waste to the feed stock, reducing production time to 4-6 months.

In 2010 Western joined the US Composting Council Seal of Testing Assurance program which subjects our compost to thorough analysis 2-4 times per year. We’re proud to note that our product meets the criteria for a full range of uses including lawns, trees, scrubs, flowers and vegetables.

In 2017, economics and market conditions necessitated a change in our approach. Today, Western collects organic material from all around the County, grinds it to meet emerald ash borer management standards, and transfers the material to a partner in Weld County for processing into a final soil amendment product.

There is still opportunity to “close the loop”. Customers can purchase Grren ‘N Gro compost, as well as A1 Organics BioComp® compost, at ourTrash and Recycle Center. For product information and technical date click here.